Truckers as Crime Victims

THERE IS NO DOT REGULATION OR FEDERAL LAW THAT SAYS YOU CANNOT HAVE A FIREARM IN YOUR TRUCK. MANY OF THE SCHOOLS ARE SPOUTING THIS OFF TO TAKE THE MONKEY OFF OF THEIR BACKS. A COUPLE OF US ON THIS FORUM HAVE SEARCHED AND RESEARCHED, AND EVEN ASKED DOT PEOPLE. THERE IS NO DOT REGULATION REGARDING GUNS IN TRUCKS. THE LAWS FALL BACK TO THE INDIVIDUAL STATES. I believe Notarps even offered a PayPal payment to anyone that could provide a copy of the law, and there were no takers. Even those in school who had Instructors spouting this mystery regulation couldn't get Instructors to provide it.
The only real federal law of this sort is the safe passage act which says you can "pass through" a state if the gun is unloaded and secured in the trunk or rear compartment. CCW permits are regulated through the states by reciprical agreements. You have to know which states you're good in. Now for company rules, many say no guns in the truck, many say nothing at all, because they don't want to be involved with it period. If a driver gets in a situation where he could legally carry and he is attacked in a manner that he would have been able to use a firearm to protect himself, he would probably have legal recourse on his company.
Recently there have been some suits and letter writing campaigns about cafe's, stores, etc. that had no firearms signs on the entrance. They were pressured into removing them because they were told they were totally responsible for someones security and protection if something happened and a person was unable to be armed. AKA; the Lubbys Cafeteria in Killeen Texas, where a psyco came in an started shooting peple.

As for packing in your truck, there is a certain amount of risk when you are in the areas of say Mass., NYC, and Jersey, and no guns can go to Canada if you have to go. Some of these places have gun laws that border on those of Communist Countries. Funny thing is, many of them also have high crime rates. Anyway, research it and it will depend on where you are. I don't suggest you push limits and do anything illegal.

 

What about tazers or pepper spray? It seems that either one would be better than a close contact weapon. But is either allowed? Does hijackings from the mafia really exist? If they do, I'd say just give up the good's, no material possesion is worth your life. If you can tell, I just watched reruns of The Sopranos,lol.

 

Quoted from Landline Magazine...
"Can I carry a gun in my truck" is one of the most frequently asked questions we get. Here's the truth: According to the U.S. Constitution, you have the right to bear arms and there's no rule in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) prohibiting you from carrying a gun in your truck. But, depending on what state you're driving in, you may not be able to legally carry a gun in your tractor. Remember, simply having a concealed gun permit in your home state doesn't exempt you from all other state laws. ​

For example, say you have a valid permit to carry a gun in your home state. As long as you're in your home state, it's perfectly legal to carry your gun. But, once you leave your home state, your gun permit usually isn't valid anywhere else. To make matters worse, not all states allow you to be in possession of a handgun at all and many consider carrying a gun a felony. Being convicted of a felony while operating a commercial vehicle will suspend your CDL for 12 months. Also, don't forget to check with your company/lease company to see if they have a weapons policy. Violating an internal company policy can cost you your job regardless of whether you've violated a state law or not.
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In some cases, Tasers and Pepper Spray can be illegal in certain jurisdictions. Next time you go to order a taser or pepper spray, look at the warnings of some dealers. We cannot ship to NYC, Jersey, Wisconsin, Michigan, California, Mass., Hawaii, etc, etc. It's the same old thing about how lib controlled environments do not want you to protect yourself. You may hurt someone and can't be trusted.

Although, generally, pepper spray will not bring on the same repercussions that a handgun would in these types of places. And most officers would understand, as long as you're not causing trouble. I was a Pepper spray instructor when I was a Police Officer, and had to be sprayed numerous times in training, with several different brands. They all hurt and work effectively as long as you stay with a quality brand. I thought my skin was going to peel off , my eyes were ruined forever, and my nose snotted like a water hose, but no effects after about 20 minutes, and all back to normal. Sure there are exceptions. I've seen one or two people in about 15 years that were not effected by it very much, but most of them either went down to their knees, or tried to run away with their eyes slamming shut, and ran into trees, walls, fences, etc.

I suggest if you get pepper spray, buy Freeze +P, Defense Tech First Defense, Mace Brand Triple Action, Punch, or Sabre. Don't buy the typical Flea Market, drug store, 7-11 type spray, and stay away from the little bitty keychain sprays. They're crap, PERIOD!!! Mace and Def-Tech have a smaller 3/4 oz type with a plastic finger grip type body and pocket clip that works nicely. I like the 2 oz short stubby cannisters, or get a bigger can to keep in your cab. One thing to remember.... surprise is the key. It's not a gun, so don't threaten them with it. Holde it beside you and without warning pop it up and spray directly into the face, eyes and nose in particular. That's what it's for.
I would carry one in my shower bag. I have a small duffle that has my toiletry bag and a change of clothes, for when I go take a shower. In a strange area, I keep the cannister in my hand, with my hand inside the duffle. While fueling or moving slowly in an unknown area, it stays in my pocket. The stuff will not cause permanent damage and is foodgrade stuff. Generally about 20 to 30 minutes and a little splashing od water and cool air will stop the effects. No lotions or salves. It will lock it into the pores ot the skin and continue to burn. It's not fool proof, but that combined with alertness and tactics, can prevent many attacks or problems. Sorry for the novel.....NEWB

 

I had a really creepy guy ask me some odd questions at a rest area once.. I stopped, turned off my truck, went in and used the restroom (I was going to park for the night, mind you)..

When i came back out and was heading to my truck, this guy gets out of his truck and asks me what time it is, so i open my passenger door and look inside the cab and tell him..

So he starts makin' odd small talk, wanting to know if i was by myself? I'm like yeah, me and my 102 pound doberman... And he's like are you staying all night? I'm like nope, im outta here..

I had that gut feeling, he could've been one of "those" and mostly harmless, or he could be someone desperate that saw lil me in the big shiney peterbilt.. either way i wasn't taking my chances.

 

wtf?..so u suppose to carry around 100,000$ worth of stuff and you can protect it..or yourself..that freakin sick man!!!

i mean if your otr your truck is your home..imma try to get my gun license soon.

 

when i used to do NYC loads,i carried an old derelect wallet on the dash with some business cards an about 15 bucks(mostly ones) that if someone were to jump up on the door with a gun i could toss them the wallet.when in bad areas,keep your ID and credit cards stashed in the sleeper somewhere.if you are stopped by law enforcement while your ID is stashed,BE SURE TO LET THEM KNOW WHY YOU NEED TO GO BACK TO THE SLEEPER! although just keeping your doors locked and using common sense about your surroundings should keep you out of harms way.as to anything happening at a truckstop??? highly unlikely at the majority of them